What’s in a Name?

Olive Leaf Family Therapy, Inc.

written by Laura Slagle, CEO/Clinical Director

In searching for a name for the group practice, I wanted something that was both symbolic of where we are located, and had deep meaning related to personal health, growth, and resilience. Not only is the olive tree abundant in the Central Valley; but it has a strong historic narrative and is well known for producing health and wellness through its leaves, fruit, and oil. I also wanted the name to be significant to my faith (Christianity), yet inclusive to all faiths and cultures. The olive tree is utilized by almost every faith and culture as a symbol of peace, connection, reconciliation, wisdom, resilience, and victory. Here is how I feel it relates specifically to Olive Leaf Family Therapy, Inc. (OLFT).

The Tree

Olive trees have been known to live 100s or even 1000s of years. Due to their ability to regenerate, they are almost considered immortal and are able withstand adverse conditions such as pruning, storms, floods, draughts, and rocky terrain. They are able to thrive in a vast orchard or all alone. It is for this reason they are known as a symbol of courage, strength, endurance, resilience, and overcoming adversity; the same traits shown in many of our clients who have experienced traumas such as adverse childhood experiences, broken relationships, violence, illnesses, disabilities, accidents, and losses. These clients are similar to the olive tree that doesn’t give up, even when cut down; but instead, reaches deep to its roots for nourishment and sprouts new growth from its stump.

Olive trees begin to produce fruit at 6 – 10 years old, peak at 40 – 50, and continue into their hundreds. This is such a great reminder that maturity takes time and it is never too late for growth and renewal. When considering that olive trees peak at 40-50, it is a reminder of the many clients who come to us in the mid-season of life; often because of disillusionment, grief, or sorrow. They have passed the stage of worrying what others will think or valuing pride and independence. At this life-phase, they are now willing to be vulnerable and self-reflective, which is the key to healing.

The Roots

The extensive root system of the olive tree branches out even farther than the reach of its leaves, gathering moisture and nutrition from deep below the surface in the ground. This allows even a solitary tree to stand sturdily and gracefully, like so many of our clients who find themselves alone in life due to disappointment, estrangement or termination of relationships; yet they develop the ability to live strongly and securely by searching deep within themselves for strength and connection.

The Branches

Traditionally, olive branches have been a symbol of peace, prosperity, and victory. In ancient times, the branches were put on banners, artwork, and statues to represent success in battles. Many champions of sports competitions and winners of battles received olive branches as awards.

In addition, the branches of the olive tree symbolize outstretched arms, reaching for and including all. New branches sprout up continuously, even from an old stump of a tree that has been cut down. This new growth is a symbol of bravery and resilience. Amazingly, olive branches are even grafted onto other olive trees. Sometimes a branch is grafted onto a tree with stronger roots to provide the nutrition it needs to produce fruit. Now there’s a metaphor for our courageous and resilient adopted families!

The Leaves

The branches of the olive tree hold slender leaves that are light green on one side and even lighter green on the other side. They may look small and insignificant, but these narrow two-tone leaves give such beauty to the tree as they filter light through the outstretched branches and give off a shimmer of silver. These small leaves depict our young clients who, despite their circumstances, continue to shimmer and reflect the joy they find in life.

Olive leaves are a staple of the Mediterranean diet, which is recognized for its health and healing benefits. The extract from the leaves has long been used in traditional medicine because of its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antimicrobial, and immune-supporting effects that are helpful in both prevention and treatment of many diseases and disorders. Prevention and treatment go hand-in-hand at OLFT. Along with providing treatment in acute situations, we enjoy sharing psychoeducational information to help prevent future mental health dysfunction.

The Fruit

There are many species of olives, just as we treat a diverse population of clients. A tree produces only two or three fruits per foot of twig; but each olive is rich with oil containing vitamin E, vitamins A and K, iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, omega 3 and omega 6….and I’m sure more.

In ancient times, the trees were beaten to remove the fruit, pounded to a pulp under peoples feet until the finest oil (the first press) drained off, and then heated to extract even more from the pulp. New advancements in technology in olive oil extraction allow the process to be more efficient in modern times. Do you ever feel beaten and pressed down over and over again in the process of life? Thankfully, there are new advancements in treatment so that you don’t have to continue to repeat your negative patterns. Through a therapeutic relationship, you can learn from past experiences and develop new patterns of interaction.

The Oil

Olives are a very practical fruit, as they have many uses. Olives hold an abundance of oil in proportion to their size. Traditionally, the oil from olive trees is often used to anoint or give sacrifice; making it a symbol of blessing, honor, and atonement. Olive oil has been used in food, medicines, cosmetics, fuels, spirituality, and rituals. This oil has been used for thousands of years, both internally and externally, due to its healthy properties for youthfulness and longevity. It has also been used as a source of energy and light.

These properties remind us of the clients, young and old, who continue to grow and change throughout their journey with us and seem to just overflow with lessons to teach us. Yes, we at OLFT believe that we grow and learn from you, as you have an abundance of resources, reflections, insight, and wisdom just waiting to be expressed, and we are here to guide you in finding it.

The process of extracting and preparing olive oil for these uses is quite grueling, as I stated above in the section on the fruit. It is only after being beaten down and hard pressed that the beautiful oil is found. For this reason, olive oil is also considered a symbol of beauty and clarity. Many clients come to us seeking clarity or a calm and rational way to look at their circumstances. We, at OLFT, value the privilege of walking with you and watching the beauty of growth and renewal through that process.

Maybe you relate to a particular part of the olive tree. Whatever your reason for seeking therapy, we know that neither life nor therapy are easy processes, and we feel honored that you are considering us, at OLFT, to be a part of yours.

Why Olive Leaf…why not Olive Tree, Olive Branch, etc.?

Well, the answer to that question is not quite as complex as the rest of this article. Honestly, once I landed on the concept of the Olive Tree, learned the history and symbology, and fell in love with it (really, ask anyone who knows me well….I have olive EVERYTHING!); then it was just a matter of figuring out what sounded the best, what was easiest to say when answering the phone, etc. And of course, I went to Facebook to survey everyone I knew with possible names. Ultimately, Olive Leaf Family Therapy was the one that won out.

For those interested in a Biblical perspective:

In addition to all of the above, there are many references to the olive tree in the Bible. If you’d like to read more about this, there is a great article here: thattheworldmayknow.com/light-to-the-world